ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E - Best Overall
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790‑E Gaming WiFi 6E is built around the Intel Z790 chipset and supports LGA 1700 sockets for 13th‑gen Intel CPUs. It offers four M.2 slots (three PCIe 5.0, one PCIe 4.0), 14+2 power stages for robust overclocking, and integrated Wi‑Fi 6E for ultra‑fast wireless connectivity. The board’s 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type‑C, and extensive cooling solution make it ideal for demanding gaming rigs and streaming setups.
Check price on Amazon →Discover the top five motherboards of 2026, each chosen for performance, value, and compatibility.
Choosing a motherboard in 2026 can feel overwhelming with so many chipsets, form factors, and feature sets on the market. Whether you are building a high‑end gaming rig, a professional content‑creation workstation, or a cost‑effective everyday PC, the board you select will dictate future upgrade paths, connectivity, and overall stability.
Below you will find our carefully researched picks, each backed by real‑world testing and up‑to‑date specifications. We have balanced raw performance, feature richness, and price to give you a clear picture of the best options available right now.
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E - Best Overall | Check price | ||
| MSI MPG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 - Best Budget | Check price | ||
| Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX - Best for Creators | Check price | ||
| ASRock B650E Steel Legend - Best for AMD | Check price | ||
| ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-PLUS WiFi D4 - Best Durable | Check price |
The full reviews
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi 6E - Best Overall
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790‑E Gaming WiFi 6E is built around the Intel Z790 chipset and supports LGA 1700 sockets for 13th‑gen Intel CPUs. It offers four M.2 slots (three PCIe 5.0, one PCIe 4.0), 14+2 power stages for robust overclocking, and integrated Wi‑Fi 6E for ultra‑fast wireless connectivity. The board’s 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type‑C, and extensive cooling solution make it ideal for demanding gaming rigs and streaming setups.
MSI MPG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 - Best Budget
The MSI MPG B660M Mortar WiFi DDR4 pairs the Intel B660 chipset with an LGA 1700 socket, delivering solid performance for mainstream builds. It supports DDR4 memory up to 5333 MHz, features dual PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and includes a single M.2 slot with heatsink. Integrated Wi‑Fi 6 and a 2.5 Gb Ethernet port give modern connectivity without breaking the bank.
Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX - Best for Creators
Gigabyte’s Z690 AORUS Elite AX uses the Z690 chipset and supports both Intel 12th and 13th‑gen CPUs. It offers three M.2 slots (two PCIe 4.0, one PCIe 3.0), a robust 12‑phase VRM, and a 10 Gb Ethernet port for fast file transfers. The board also includes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type‑C, Wi‑Fi 6, and an advanced thermal design, making it well suited for video editing, 3D rendering, and other creator workloads.
ASRock B650E Steel Legend - Best for AMD
The ASRock B650E Steel Legend is designed for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors and uses the B650E chipset. It supports DDR5 memory up to 6000 MHz, provides four PCIe 5.0 slots, and includes three M.2 slots with heatsinks. A 2.5 Gb Ethernet port, Wi‑Fi 6E, and a rugged steel backplate give both performance and durability for gamers and professionals alike.
ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-PLUS WiFi D4 - Best Durable
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-PLUS WiFi D4 is a micro‑ATX board built on the Intel B660 chipset, supporting LGA 1700 sockets and DDR4 memory up to 5333 MHz. It features dual M.2 slots, a 2.5 Gb Ethernet port, and Wi‑Fi 6. The TUF series is known for military‑grade components, extended testing, and a reinforced PCIe slot design, delivering long‑term reliability for everyday computing.
What matters most
What to consider
When selecting a motherboard, start by matching the CPU socket and chipset to your processor choice. Intel’s 12th and 13th‑gen CPUs require LGA 1700, while AMD Ryzen 7000 series uses the AM5 socket. Next, decide on the memory type; DDR5 offers higher bandwidth but at a higher cost, whereas DDR4 remains a cost‑effective option for many users.
What to consider
Consider the number and version of PCIe slots and M.2 connectors you need for graphics cards, SSDs, and expansion cards. Connectivity features such as Wi‑Fi 6/6E, 2.5 Gb or 10 Gb Ethernet, and USB Type‑C can future‑proof your build. Finally, evaluate the power delivery system and cooling solutions. especially if you plan to overclock or run power‑hungry components. Balancing these factors against your budget will help you pick the board that best fits your needs.
Frequently asked
Yes, most 2026 motherboards support the LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with 13th generation Intel processors, but verify BIOS updates.
DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and lower latency, but DDR4 boards are still viable for budget builds and offer good performance.
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